Battle For Bihar: High-Stakes Final Phase To decide fate Of 1,300 Candidates Across 122 Seats

The decisive phase of Bihar's state elections is set to conclude on Tuesday, with 122 assembly constituencies across 20 districts casting their votes. This final round will determine the political future of 1,302 candidates, including several sitting ministers. Over 37 million voters, including 17.4 million women, are eligible to vote at 45,399 polling stations.

In the previous election cycle, the Mahagathbandhan secured 49 seats out of these constituencies, while the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) claimed victory in 66 seats. The Asaduddin Owaisi-led AIMIM won five seats, and both the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and an Independent candidate secured one seat each.

Key Political Figures in the Fray

Among those contesting are power minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav from Supaul and industries minister Nitish Mishra from Jhanjharpur. Other notable candidates include transport minister Sheela Kumari Mandal from Phulparas and public health minister Neeraj Kumar Singh Bablu from Chhatapur.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has fielded candidates in 53 constituencies, while the Janata Dal (United) is contesting 44 seats. The Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) has candidates in 15 constituencies, Hindustan Awam Morcha(Secular) in six, and Rashtriya Lok Manch in four.

Electoral Dynamics and Alliances

The INDIA bloc sees Rashtriya Janata Dal contesting 72 seats and Congress vying for 37. The Vikassheel Insaan Party is competing in eight constituencies, while the Communist Party of India (Marxist Leninist) Liberation is contesting six. The Communist Party of India has four candidates, and CPI(Marxist) has one.

Internal tensions exist within alliances as partners face off against each other in six constituencies. These include Kargahar (CPI–Cong), Narkatiaganj (RJD–Cong), Kahalgaon (RJD–Cong), Sultanganj (RJD–Cong), Chainpur (RJD–VIP), and Sikandra (RJD–Cong).

Security Measures and Voter Turnout

A total of 1,625 companies of Central Armed Police Forces have been deployed to ensure smooth polling. In the first phase held on November 6, voter turnout was recorded at a historic high of 65.08%. This followed a revision that reduced Bihar's electorate from 78.9 million to 74.2 million people.

"Of the total polling stations, 40,073 are located in rural areas," stated an officer from Bihar's chief electoral office. "Webcasting facilities have been arranged at all booths." The average number of voters per station stands at approximately 815.

Predictions and Expectations

The JD(U) remains optimistic about NDA's prospects in this phase. "We hope to secure between 30 and 35 seats... Overall, NDA might achieve around 75-80," said JD(U) spokesperson Abhishek Jha. Meanwhile, RJD anticipates winning around 90 seats this time.

"Like the record turnout in the first phase," remarked RJD spokesperson Mritunjay Tiwary, "people will once again vote in large numbers for change and a better Bihar."

This election not only decides who governs next but also shapes the careers of many influential politicians involved.